Residential Properties Ltd. is proud to announce that Sales Associate Ramiro Encizo of our Providence office was recently voted President of the Board of Directors for Community MusicWorks (CMW), a local nonprofit supported by RPL for a number of years. The organization, based on Providence’s West Side, offers free music education and career opportunities to children and members of underserved communities throughout the city. Originally founded in 1997, the program has sustained robust growth and national recognition for its life-changing contributions to the city’s youth who wish to learn stringed instruments.
Encizo joined the board of directors for Community MusicWorks in 2020 and soon rose to the position of Secretary. As a classical violinist, he has played throughout Rhode Island, accompanying holiday services at St. Peter's Church in Warwick and playing with the Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra. Encizo knows the importance of early music education; not only the powerful, lifelong skills and habits it can build, but also the rich feeling of community it helps foster. We spoke with Encizo about his involvement with this nonprofit, his passion for music, and the positive impact he plans to make as the board’s new President.
What is Community MusicWorks?
“Community MusicWorks’ mission is ‘To create a cohesive urban community through music education and performance that transforms the lives of children, families, and musicians.’ The mission is centered around social justice and anti-racist practices. Alumni from the program are invited back as faculty to teach the new generation of musicians, all with support from donors big and small, from community and board members to sizable foundations and various grants.”
How long have you been involved with the organization and why?
“I joined the Board of Directors in 2020 and became enamored with the wonderful work of the organization. Having studied classical violin throughout my childhood, I understand firsthand the impact this kind of education can have. I am convinced that learning classical music taught me how to learn. Music is such a nuanced art, its own language really, and it forces one to evaluate every minute detail to fully understand, learn, practice, and, ultimately, perform. These skills can be applied to all aspects of life. I was fortunate enough to have violin lessons offered through my public school system in Southern California. CMW serves an essential need for our children of Providence who don’t have access to such an education. You can witness the growth and magic yourself at any of our upcoming concerts in the 2023-2024 season. I often say, ‘I wish I had access to this program as a child!’”
What kinds of accomplishments have you participated in as a board member?
“I helped facilitate the high-stakes purchase of Community MusicWorks’ building, where they have been tenants for 25 years. The Board of Directors in its entirety came together to devise a plan to ensure that the organization would not lose its home. I have also served as Secretary of the Board, and recently the Board of Directors nominated and voted to have me serve as President.
One other fascinating accomplishment for the organization is an impressive new building, the Community MusicWorks Center, currently being built at 1326 Westminster Street. The center will offer a gathering place for music creation and performance, and will allow the program to continue its mission for generations to come.”
What responsibilities will you have as Board President?
“I feel fully prepared to embrace the workload, knowing that it is all for a great cause. I will work closely with Sebastian Ruth, Executive Director and Founder, and will have ample support from staff and the newly appointed Vice President. CMW is an integral thread in the fabric of Providence’s West Side neighborhood, and I am honored to serve in my new capacity as President.”
What would you tell people who want to get involved in the organization?
“I encourage everyone to get involved! Definitely visit the volunteering and giving sections of our website. Whether you’re able to teach the basics of violin, viola, or cello and want to be a musical mentor or if you want to donate your time assisting in daily operations, we’re always so pleased to meet people excited by the organization’s mission. Plus, our performances are such a wonderful way to bring our community closer with beautiful music.”
To learn more about CommunityMusicWorks and their upcoming events, please visit CommunityMusicWorks.org. For more information on Ramiro Enczio, visit his agent bio page at RamiroEncizo.ResidentialProperties.com.
